Doug Bollinger headlines team of stars to take on Port Pirie XI

A number of former and current-day domestic and Australian cricketers will soon descend on Port Pirie for the Australian Cricketers’ Associations (ACA) Masters tour.

Former Australian quick Doug Bollinger headlines the ACA Masters team who will take on a Port Pirie Cricket Association representative side on Friday 27 March at Memorial Oval.

Joining Bollinger will be former Australian and South Australian players Wayne Phillips, Theo Doropoulos, Brad Young, Lauren Ebsary, Alicia Dean and former NSW and Western Australian ‘keeper Jenny Wallace – plus many more names to be announced in the coming weeks.

Since 2008, the Masters program has been developed by the ACA, the official representative body of past and present elite cricketers, with the focus on the promotion of cricket in regional areas. The program brings communities together to raise funds for local cricket associations and identify local talent.

Held across 26-28 March, the Masters tour will also include a ‘Sporties’ function night, kids super clinics and community visits.

Additionally, the tour involves a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a talented young player from the region, and also includes the unique opportunity to receive mentoring from one of the Masters players following the tour.

It’s the first time the ACA has brought the Masters tour to South Australia since 2015 and the second time it has visited Port Pirie, after first travelling to the region in 2010.

ACA General Manager Member Programs, Kelly Applebee said;

“We are delighted to bring our Masters team back to regional South Australia in March. Our players love to get involved in the community, and it will be a great opportunity for our former and current professionals, to share and pass on some of their experience and knowledge to local cricketers.

“Everyone will have the chance to mingle with the players during their time in the region, whether it be squaring off against the Masters head-to-head, through coaching clinics, community visits or the 'Sporties' function nights.

“And the opportunity for our scholarship winners to receive mentoring from one of our Masters, is a fantastic resource for a young player to help develop their cricket career.”

Port Pirie Regional Council’s Tourism and Events Manager Glen Christie described the event as the first major cricket showcase for Memorial Oval since it was redeveloped as part of the Port Pirie Sports Precinct.

“Since the opening of the new Sports Precinct, we’ve seen a variety of different events – from the Masters Games to AFL and SANFL matches.

"The ACA Masters Cricket event comes just days after the end of the Regional Cricket Season, featuring local players and National identifies, facing off against each other.

"Limited tickets are available for balcony seating, as well as the post-match Sporties function. I’d encourage cricket lovers to snap up a ticket and make the most of this event.”

Doug Bollinger Named in the 2010 ICC Test and ODI teams of the year, Bollinger played 12 Tests, 39 ODIs and nine T20Is for Australia. The left arm quick became a cult hero to Australian fans during his time in the international team, known for his character, passion and ability with the ball.

Wayne Phillips An original cult hero of Australian cricket, Phillips became the 14th Australian to score a Test century on debut, notching 159 against Pakistan. His 13-year career yielded 27 Tests and 48 ODIs as well as over a century of appearances for his beloved South Australian Redbacks.

Theo Doropoulos Most people may know Theo Doropoulos as a presenter for the Seven Network in Adelaide, but the 34-year-old also represented South Australia, Western Australia and the Adelaide Strikers over a six-year career. The all-rounder previously held the record for the highest score in an Under 19 ODI scoring 179 not out against England in 2003.

Brad Young The tweaky left-arm spinner was a mainstay in South Australia’s bowling cartel for the best part of eight years, and would go on to represent Australian in six ODIs. A handy lower-order batter, Young was also selected for Australia 1998 Commonwealth Games, taking a hat-trick against New Zealand.

Lauren Ebsary The recently retired Ebsary called time on her wonderful career at the conclusion of the 2018-19 WBBL season. Primarily a batter, Ebsary was a handy medium pace bowler who played 34 games for Australia including a Test against England in 2009. In 2015/16 she led South Australia to their maiden WNCL crown.

Alicia Dean The former South Australia wicket keeper and left handed stroke-maker interestingly represents Fiji on the international scene who she also captained.

Jenny Wallace Wallace stood behind the stumps for NSW, Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers over her 13-year-career, winning multiple WNCL titles during her time with NSW.